Aside from kangaroos, koalas, and some gnarly surfing, there are lots of great places to see and cuisine to enjoy in vibrant, bustling Sydney, Australia. And the reason we’re here is to lay out your itinerary for a healthy five day visit. For a country surrounded by water, Sydney is a surprisingly diverse area, which is evident in their art, religion, music, and food.
While we recommend visiting during the summer months, December to February, the country’s mild climate makes traveling ideal at any time of the year.
The train is the best and easiest mode of transportation, so keep your eyes out for the Metro Monorail or the Light Rail during your travels. And on a side note, the Australian Dollar is practically equivalent to the U.S. dollar, so that should help you American travelers budget for your vacation.
So here it is; your five-day itinerary for a healthy and fun-filled Sydney vacation:
Day 1:
- Breakfast: Your first meal of the day, which is called “breaky” by the locals, will be at the beautiful Cucina Viscontini. Their breaky menu is filled with plenty of nutritional options, but try the Waterfront Breakfast, which features smoked salmon and fresh avocado, for a truly healthy start to your day and trip.
- Workout: Overcome that first day jet lag with a nice jog or bike ride around Sydney Olympic Park, which is the venue where the 2000 Olympics were held. While you won’t run out of running or biking trails winding through the massive grounds, you can also visit the Urban Jungle Adventure Park and climb the treetop rope course if you’re feeling really adventurous.
- Lunch: The Sydney Fish Market is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. Check out the fresh regional fish, and pick one out for a lunch that will be prepared right in front of you!
- Mind/Body Balance: It’s probably been a long day after traveling, so stop by the Panpuri Organic Spa in Pyrmont for a relaxing massage and other spa treatments.
- Must-See Attraction: Hop on a ferry to Manly Cove and enjoy the breathtaking Sydney Harbour, which is revered as one of the most beautiful habours in the world.
- Dinner: Enjoy a filling dinner with a waterside view at Pilu at Freshwater, a lovely Italian restaurant that features plenty of light, healthy fare. If you have time after dinner, head down to the Sydney Harbour National Park and take a stroll along one of their fantastic hiking trails, such as the Manly Scenic Walkway. The tour covers all of the best views of the park, including colonial buildings and small rain forests.
Day 2
- Breakfast: Today’s fresh breaky will be served at The Find Food Store.
- Workout: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world — and you’re going to climb to the top of it! For in-shape thrill-seekers, you’ll want to take the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb. But for the less extreme walk, go to the Pylon Lookout, which includes three exhibits along the way up that details the bridge’s history.
- Lunch: Stop by Costis Fish and Chips for a fresh lunch to refuel for the rest of your day.
- Mind/Body Balance: Take in the beautiful floral aromas at the Royal Botanic Gardens after lunch. There are 18 different areas in the gardens, which include themes from the desert to a lovely rose garden.
- Must-See Attraction: You can’t visit Sydney without taking a tour or seeing a performance at the city’s most iconic and well-known building, the Sydney Opera House.
- Dinner: Explore the Asian influence of Sydney during dinner at China Doll, one of Sydney’s most beloved Asian restaurants.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Enjoy one of the protein-filled breakfast dishes at a local Bondi Beach café, Trio.
- Workout: In Australia, you have to at least try to learn how to surf, so take a lesson at the famous Bondi Beach, which is known for having some of the best waves in the world.
- Lunch: Refuel with fresh seafood or a hearty salad at Bondi Icebergs Bistro and watch other surfers tear it up on the waves. Dude.
- Mind/Body Balance: Go whale watching and enjoy a nice boat ride along the Cookle Bay Marina.
- Must-See Attraction: Known as the most charming region of Sydney, The Rocks is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Filled with plenty of restaurants, shops, galleries, and bars, you’ll definitely enjoy walking around on the cobblestone streets in this quaint area.
- Dinner: If you don’t find a place in The Rocks to dine, visit the Pony Lounge and Dining for Mediterranean/South East Asian cuisine. From innovative vegetarian dishes to seafood and pasta, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love.
Day 4
- Breakfast: Today is beach day, so you’ll want to have a hearty and healthy breakfast at the Coogee Café.
- Workout: Start the day with a few laps around the saltwater pool at Wylies Baths.
- Lunch: Moo Gourmet Burgers may sound like a typical burger joint, but their extensive menu also includes vegetarian options, such as lentil or falafel burgers. And if you’re daring, feel free to try the duck and bacon or kangaroo burgers too!
- Mind/Body Balance: Time to get some sun and lay out by the ocean at Coogee Beach. Remember – sunscreen!
- Must-See Attraction: Stop by the Australian National Maritime Museum and view exhibits on everything from surfboards to ship convicts. You can even tour various vessels from Australian destroyers to submarines.
- Dinner: Indulge in Australia’s best Indian restaurant, Zaaffran, where you’ll find plenty of vegetarian options, as well as chicken and fish dishes.
Day 5
- Breakfast: Kick off the day with an egg breaky at the Revolver Café.
- Workout: Go for a run or try some yoga at Bicentennial Park.
- Lunch: Grab your mid-day meal at The Boathouse. Try some oysters or one of the many local fish dishes.
- Mind/Body Balance: Get in touch with your inner artist at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
- Must-See Attraction: Visit the Darling Harbour and get your trendy shopping on, or go see a movie on the biggest IMAX screen in the world. You should also visit the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, which features a shark tunnel, a massive replica of the Great Barrier Reef, and dugongs, which are manatee-like animals native to the region.
- Dinner: End the day with a relaxing Italian dinner at Aqua, which is located right along the water and has a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
